The disciple's motivation to be faithful stewards of God's resources is so that we can "use all of God's resources God's way for God's glory!" God has a plan to bring the gospel to our communities and all nations. God also empowers us to be able to meet the needs of the poor in our communities and around the world.

1. The Church: Weekly Contribution.

1 Corinthians 9:14
In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Your contribution helps put more people in the full-time ministry; people called by God to devote all of their time to building God's kingdom!

Our weekly contribution empowers the church to provide a place to meet, funds for individual ministries (Singles, Teens, Campus, Marrieds), and specialized ministries to meet the needs in our church and around the community!

2 Corinthians 8:1-4
1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

The Macedonian churches extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

They gave first of all to the Lord since you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Excel in giving! Put aside your contribution as your "firstfruits" - first to God.

2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

- As God's money manager, we have the opportunity plan to be generous.

- Is there anything you want to change about your weekly contribution? Talk to your advisors.

2. Missions: Special Contribution.

Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

What does it take to make disciples of all nations?

Our special missions contribution each year in June supports church plantings - ~

We also send our ministry staff to help disciple other church leaders, stay unified with sister churches, and preach the word where it is needed most!

How can you help? "Stay and Pay or Go and Grow"

- Some will go and plant a church; others give generously to support these missionaries

- Everyone participates in world missions! Pray for God's direction for your role!

2 Corinthians 8:13-14
13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality,

Why do you think God has given so much to some and so little to others? Is it not for the affluent to give to those in need? What does Paul mean by "equality" and how does that affect you?

We have the means to fund world missions - Pray for the heart to be involved in world missions! Is there anything you want to change about your missions contribution? Talk to your advisors.

3. Needy: Poor Contribution.

Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Proverbs 21:13
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

Jeremiah 22:16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD.

Our affluence provides us with an opportunity to be "openhanded" toward those with less.

The resources God has given us help us to give, not only once a month for the "Poor Contribution" but to meet needs in our families, local house churches, neighborhoods, communities, and wherever there is need. Pray for an open heart and an open hand!

Is there anything you want to change about your poor contribution? Talk to your advisors.